The Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Monday 10 August 2026 approved an administrative correction to the company name for a dockless e-bike hire service contract. This decision ensures the contract is correctly attributed to Human Forest Ltd, reflecting the legal entity with whom the agreement is made.

Correction of Company Name for Dockless Bike Services Contract

Councillor Gio Iozzi, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Transport, approved an amendment to the company name for a four-year concession contract to operate and expand dockless e-bike services in Haringey. The contract, initially awarded on 10 March 2026, will now be correctly recorded under Human Forest Ltd instead of the previously stated Human Forest (Bikes) Ltd. This change rectifies an administrative error in the original Cabinet report and does not alter the substantive terms of the agreement.

The decision was made to ensure the correct legal entity, Human Forest Limited, is formally recognised in the contract. Dockless e-bike hire services have become an established mode of transport in Haringey, with user numbers and journeys increasing over time. The council engaged with residents and stakeholders through an online platform called 'Commonplace' to gather feedback on the benefits and challenges of the scheme, as well as potential parking locations. This engagement, along with consultations with the Adult Social Care Joint Partnership Board, helped ensure community needs were considered.

In September 2025, Cabinet had approved a formal procurement process for these services. The existing Memorandum of Understanding with operators Lime Technology Ltd and Human Forest (Bikes) Ltd had provided valuable insights into cycling demand and usage patterns, allowing for partial regulation of an otherwise unregulated market. Entering into a formal contract enables the council to establish clear rules and fees for better management of the e-bikes and fair pricing for users.

The alternative option of Do Nothing was considered, but this would have left the services operating without council management or governance, potentially leading to a poor overall service and a lack of accountability. The current trial scheme was set to end in March 2026, necessitating a new agreement through a tendering process.

The report detailed the procurement process, which involved an open tender with quality and price evaluations. It also outlined the council's approach to managing dockless e-bikes, including the establishment of parking bays and engagement with the community. Feedback from this engagement highlighted concerns regarding pavement obstruction, anti-social behaviour, and non-compliant parking, particularly near disabled bays. The new contract aims to address these issues through stricter management, penalties for operators, and improved parking solutions.

The decision aligns with Haringey Council's strategic plans, including the Walking and Cycling Action Plan (2022), Climate Change Action Plan (2021), and the Mayor of London's Transport Strategy (2018), all of which promote sustainable transport options. The report also noted the positive impact on carbon emission reduction and climate change mitigation. Financially, the council expects to receive a revenue share and an annual contribution from the operators, with all implementation and monitoring costs covered by the operators themselves. A financial bond will also be held by the council to mitigate any financial risks.

The report also included an extensive consultation report on the dockless bike trial, detailing feedback from residents via surveys, an interactive map, and email correspondence. This feedback highlighted significant concerns about bike obstructions and clutter, with many residents calling for increased parking availability and better enforcement. The report also noted a positive trend in widening participation in cycling, with increases in female cyclists and participation from various ethnic backgrounds, although ridership has been most beneficial for those on higher incomes. The council's commitment to improving cycling infrastructure, offering incentives, and ensuring equitable access for all residents was also emphasised.

The full details of the decision and the supporting reports can be found in the Decisions 10th-Aug-2026 11.30 Cabinet Member Signing.pdf and Public reports pack 10th-Aug-2026 11.30 Cabinet Member Signing.pdf documents.